Waiting For In 2016!

With 2016 just around the corner, I thought I'd share just a couple of the books I'm DYING for in 2016!

 

 If these books are anything to go off, 2016 is going to be a great year in books!

 

What are you wanting to read in 2016?

 

 

Waiting on Wednesday #117

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine where you can spotlight an upcoming release that you're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm waiting on.....  

Firstlife by Gena Showalter

Releases on: February 23rd 2016

Add on Goodreads!

 

ONE CHOICE.

TWO REALMS.

NO SECOND CHANCE.

Tenley “Ten” Lockwood is an average seventeen-year-old girl…who has spent the past thirteen months locked inside the Prynne Asylum. The reason? Not her obsession with numbers, but her refusal to let her parents choose where she’ll live—after she dies.

There is an eternal truth most of the world has come to accept: Firstlife is merely a dress rehearsal, and real life begins after death.

In the Everlife, two realms are in power: Troika and Myriad, longtime enemies and deadly rivals. Both will do anything to recruit Ten, including sending their top Laborers to lure her to their side. Soon, Ten finds herself on the run, caught in a wild tug-of-war between the two realms who will do anything to win the right to her soul. Who can she trust? And what if the realm she’s drawn to isn’t home to the boy she’s falling for? She just has to stay alive long enough to make a decision…

 

Thoughts:

Eeeep! So I'm a SUPER Gena Showalter fan so anything she releases goes straight to the top of my TBR list be it YA, adult or NA---anything by here is something I HAVE to read and Firstlife is no exception. This sounds super awesome and I can't wait to read it!

 

What do you think of Firstlife? Is it something you might want to read?
And what are YOU waiting on this week?

 

 

Book Shelf: Joy Is Found (Men of Ocean Beach #3) by Emma James

Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet.
~ Bob Marley

Levi Donovan is best friend and wingman to Keanu Lee. He is also his business partner in Limbitless Tees. (There is a pun in there, folks.) Well, he was wingman, but now Keanu has Hope in more ways than one.

Things are changing for this sexy brotherhood … for the better.

Retro has the love of his life, which has turned him into an overprotective caveman. Keanu is a goner. Text is trying his best not to screw things up with his complicated relationship with Faith—it’s a work in progress. Harley’s ‘spidey’ senses are working overtime. And ... Slade has gone MIA, not that Phoenix cares. Not much, anyway.

Damn Behemoth of a man.

Now the crew and the ever-expanding sisterhood are off to spend Thanksgiving in Cedar Hill, Texas with the people they love. Of course, what should have been a relaxing break away from OB turns into more than Levi bargained for.

When the girl he used to trip in elementary school with the mile-long legs and the ice blue hair crosses his path ... Let’s just say Levi is going to put his best foot forward, much to the amusement of the “inner circle.”

For once, Faith isn’t the one behind all the shenanigans; she has handed that baton over. Now she’s into matchmaking.

Oh, and of course there is that ever-pressing question:

Who is Hudson Raine?

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Joy is Found is the third novel in the Men of Ocean Beach series by Emma James and sees ladies’ man Levi find love this time around as our beloved characters continue on their way to happiness.

Picking up where the previous novel left off, Joy is Found continues to follow Faith and the men in her life---Harley, Jase, Retro, Levi and Keanu, her late brothers best friends. As their lives continue to develop and they find new friendships, love and laughter, Emma James takes them on various journeys to find their own forms of happiness.

Having previously enjoyed the first two books in this series, Emma James is back with another wonderfully told and interwoven installment. There’s a lot going on in this series and this novel in particular. Emma James strays from the pack and tells her series through the eyes of a number of different characters at different intervals. It’s nothing for her to share a couple of lines from one characters POV and then jump to another and then back again. Though this makes for a very detailed and well-rounded depiction, I think it could get confusing for some.

As I previously mentioned, Levi is front and centre with his romance to Joy, a pin-up style mechanic who is from Levi's past and someone in a position to understand him like no other. Personally I thought Joy was a sweetie and liked that James explored her vulnerabilities. Emma James gave Joy and Levi a real connection and something they shared that was really powerful.

There's a lot going on in this novel with many of the characters. Faith and Jase continue to find their feet in their relationship as Retro and Birdie receive a surprise....or two. Keanu and Hope continue to remain strong and Emma James adds new characters to the series as we finally discover the secret behind Hudson Raine, but  are left to wonder what is going on with Slade and Phoenix.

Intricate, romantic and easy to get caught up in, Joy is Found is another great Ocean Beach novel that ends well, and makes me want to read the next book pronto! 

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by the author (Thank you Emma!)
Format: Kindle ebook
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo 
My Recommendation: If you enjoy NA, then you'll enjoy this.
Cover: Grrr. Sometimes I thought I wasn't a fan of the old covers, but now I miss them. This is sexy as hell, but I miss the old style now too....
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yep. Ready to see Slade and Phoenix get together!

Favourite Books of 2015 Giveaway!

I don't know about you, but 2015 has been a brilliant year of books for me! There's been some great new releases and plenty of great adventures to read about. So, in honor of my favourite books in 2015 and in the tradition of last year, I'm going to be giving away three copies of my favourite books to three (3) lucky winners!

Here's what I'll be giveaway away:
- A PAPERBACK copy of the winners choice of my Top 5 2015 Releases.

- A KINDLE copy through Amazon of the winners choice of my Top 5 2015 Ebook Reads

- A PAPERBACK copy of the winners choice of my Top 5 Previously Released Books But Read in 2015!
 

2015 Releases:

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Avery by Charlotte McConaghy

Until Friday Night by Abbi Glines

Akarnae by Lynette Noni

Nowhere But Here by Katie McGarry

2015 Ebook Releases:

The Last Necromancer by C.J. Archer
 Flicker by Kaye Thornbrugh
 Broken Skies by Theresa Kay
 Sacrificed by Emily Wibberley
 Fates Divided by Jules Barnard

Previously Released But Read in 2015:

The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend by Kody Keplinger
 Texas Gothic by Rosemary Clement-Moore
Lead by Kylie Scott
Rome by Jay Crownover
 Not in the Script by Amy Finnegan

a Rafflecopter giveaway Goodluck to all who enter and here's to another great year of books in 2016!

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you all a safe, happy and merriest of Christmas's here at The Rest Is Still Unwritten!

I hope you all have a fabulous day filled with family, food and books galore!

Merry Christmas!

Book Shelf: Their Fractured Light by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

A year ago, Flynn Cormac and Jubilee Chase made the now infamous Avon Broadcast, calling on the galaxy to witness for their planet, and protect them from destruction. Some say Flynn’s a madman, others whisper about conspiracies. Nobody knows the truth. A year before that, Tarver Merendsen and Lilac LaRoux were rescued from a terrible shipwreck—now, they live a public life in front of the cameras, and a secret life away from the world’s gaze.

Now, in the center of the universe on the planet of Corinth, all four are about to collide with two new players, who will bring the fight against LaRoux Industries to a head. Gideon Marchant is an eighteen-year-old computer hacker—a whiz kid and an urban warrior. He’ll climb, abseil and worm his way past the best security measures to pull off onsite hacks that others don’t dare touch.

Sofia Quinn has a killer smile, and by the time you’re done noticing it, she’s got you offering up your wallet, your car, and anything else she desires. She holds LaRoux Industries responsible for the mysterious death of her father and is out for revenge at any cost.

When a LaRoux Industries security breach interrupts Gideon and Sofia’s separate attempts to infiltrate their headquarters, they’re forced to work together to escape. Each of them has their own reason for wanting to take down LaRoux Industries, and neither trusts the other. But working together might be the best chance they have to expose the secrets LRI is so desperate to hide.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Their Fractured Light is the third and final novel in the Starbound Trilogy by authors Meagan Spooner and Amie Kaufman, and marks the first time our six main characters have been united together in their fight against LaRoux Industries and the whispers, in a conclusion that is tension-filled, exciting and fast paced all the way to the very end!

Their Fractured Light introduces readers to two new leading characters, Gideon Marchant, a hacking genius who has made a name for himself as the Knave of Hearts, and Sofia Quinn an enchanting con artist who have more in common than either could imagine; both are determined to take down LaRoux Industries and the man behind the devastating company, Roderick LaRoux. Drawn together under extreme circumstances, both Gideon and Sofia have no choice but to team up with the other and soon both guarded teens begin to care about more than destroying their shared enemy; they begin to care about each other.

The Starbound Trilogy has been absolutely brilliant to read. Following three different couples, and told from their varying POV’s these books have been wonderfully paced, plotted and woven together. Spooner and Kaufman once more expertly weave their story together in Their Fractured Light. For two writers writing together, they truly do so effortlessly. Their writing is deliciously detailed, flowing and lyrical and the picture they paint within this series is never anything less than perfect. 

This third novel is told through the eyes of Gideon and Sofia, another pair of brilliant individuals who have been heavily effected by Roderick LaRoux and the atrocities he has carried out across the universe. I really liked Gideon and Sofia. Gideon won me over with his cheeky smile and his light-hearted, flirty nature towards Sofia that paves way to an intelligent and kind soul at his base who comes to quickly care for Sofia. While Sofia on the other hand, won me over with her quick-thinking nature and her desire for justice. 

Spooner and Kaufman write another beautifully explored romance between their main characters and will no doubt win over readers with the lovely chemistry and attraction that simmers between Gideon and Sofia. As a reader, I found it wonderful to see them begin to trust and care about the other. In the middle of a war and against so many odds, Gideon and Sofia connect and find themselves falling for the other—it was beautiful. 

Having now followed three different couples, it was brilliant seeing them all come together in this final book. Lilac, Tarver, Flynn and Jubilee join Gideon and Sofia in Their Fractured Light as their individual fights against LaRoux join together. There’s a lot of danger and high stakes as our heroes take their final stand. I must say, I really enjoyed seeing come to light how each and every one of their lives were intertwined in this book. Little pieces of their pasts here and there are explored and explained by both authors and I found this really well done. 

As far as finals in a series go, Their Fractured Light was extremely well done. Meagan Spooner and Aime Kaufman wonderfully tie things together, whilst featuring an exciting conclusion that isn’t lacking in dire stakes or passion. 

Though I’m sad to see this trilogy conclude, I have to commend Spooner and Kaufman for consistently releasing wonderful instalments featuring strong characters and powerfully entertaining storylines. An excellent series for those who love fantasy and sci-fi, The Starbound Trilogy concludes wonderfully with Their Fractured Light and I highly recommend those who haven’t read this series to do you—I doubt you’ll be disappointed! 

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Allen & Unwin (Thanks guys!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: This is a brilliant sci-fi series and something I think all YA lovers should try. Cover: This cover, like with all of the covers in the series is STUNNING!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: This is the final book, but I look forward to reading more from both authors in the future.

Waiting on Wednesday #116

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine where you can spotlight an upcoming release that you're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm waiting on.....  

Heir to the Sky by Amanda Sun

Releases: April 26th 2016

Add on Goodreads!

 

As heir to a kingdom of floating continents, Kali has spent her life bound by limits—by her duties as a member of the royal family; by a forced betrothal to the son of a nobleman; and by the edge of the only world she’s ever known—a small island hovering above a monster-ridden earth, long since uninhabited by humans. She is the Eternal Flame of Hope for what’s left of mankind, the wick and the wax burning in service for her people, and for their revered Phoenix, whose magic keeps them aloft.

When Kali falls off the edge of her kingdom and miraculously survives, she is shocked to discover there are still humans on the earth. Determined to get home, Kali entrusts a rugged monster-hunter named Griffin to guide her across a world overrun by chimera, storm dragons, basilisks, and other terrifying beasts. But the more time she spends on earth, the more dark truths she begins to uncover about her home in the sky, and the more resolute she is to start burning for herself.

 

Thoughts:

Boy does this book sound good. I enjoyed her novel Ink when I read it, but Heir to the Sun sounds even better. I love novels that mix different civilizations and can't wait to meet Kali and Griffan!

 

What do you think of Heir to the Sun? Is it something you want to read?

And what are YOU waiting on this week?

 

 

Book Shelf: Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

Taylor Edwards’ family might not be the closest-knit—everyone is a little too busy and overscheduled—but for the most part, they get along just fine. Then Taylor’s dad gets devastating news, and her parents decide that the family will spend one last summer all together at their old lake house in the Pocono Mountains.

Crammed into a place much smaller and more rustic than they are used to, they begin to get to know each other again. And Taylor discovers that the people she thought she had left behind haven’t actually gone anywhere. Her former best friend is still around, as is her first boyfriend…and he’s much cuter at seventeen than he was at twelve.

As the summer progresses and the Edwards become more of a family, they’re more aware than ever that they’re battling a ticking clock. Sometimes, though, there is just enough time to get a second chance—with family, with friends, and with love.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson is a sweet, endearing and emotional story about second chances, the power of family and the hope that comes from making things right in the midst of the hardest of circumstances. 

Seventeen year old Taylor Edwards has a history of running. Whenever things get hard, her flight response kicks in. Five years ago this saw her run away from her very first love, but when her father receives some devastating news, her parents decide it’s time to spend one last summer at the lake house they used to frequent all those years before. As Taylor spends the next few months getting to know her family like never before, she not only has the chance to re-connect and make amends with old friends, but has a second chance with the boy who stole her heart all those summers ago…..

Having adored Morgan Matson’s Amy & Rogers Epic Detour, I’m not so sure what led me to leave this book on my shelf for so long. I really enjoy Morgan Matson’s style of writing and her storytelling abilities. Second Chance Summer is a heart-warming and emotional story that is nicely explored and features love, romance, family and friendship---all kind of goodness I really love. It does have its sad and bittersweet moments, especially when it reaches its inevitable end, but Matson supports this with some really sweet and heart-warming moments too.     

Though it’s taken me until now to read this book, I’m actually glad I waited until this point in my life. I experienced the loss of my grandfather this year and my experience was very similar to that of the main character in Second Chance Summer. I have to commend Morgan Matson for her realistic portrayal of Taylor’s father and what he went through. It’s an experience all too real, and made this book all the more beautiful to read. 

Matson writes a worthy main lead with Taylor in this book, who really is just a normal teenager who makes mistakes and bad choices. Taylor is at a point in her life where she’s learning who she is, and I think Matson reflects this well. Taylor can be forgiven for her fears and for making mistakes—everyone does at some point, especially when she redeems herself as the novel progresses.   

Supporting Taylor is a lovely cast of characters that give the story life and feeling. Taylor’s family, including her brother Warren and younger sister Gelsey get to know each other throughout the course of the book, and Matson throws some wonderful personalities into the mix during this story. Taylor’s first love Henry returns, as does her former best friend Lucy, Taylor and her family adopt a dog who provides comfort to her father, and the community around the lake house all bring colour to the story with different moments.

Featuring a heart-warming storyline and emotional moments, Second Chance Summer is a fun and fresh summer read and will appeal to fans of Simone Elkeles, Katie McGarry and those who love well told and meaningful contemporary romance!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Simon & Schuster (Thank you guys!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: For those who love Simone Elkeles, Katie McGarry and Stephanie Perkins.
Cover: Fun and fresh and very colorful.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: This is a standalone novel but I can't wait to read more by Morgan Matson

Owl Post #79

Inspired by The Story Siren's In My Mailbox, Owl Post allows us bloggers to showcase the books we've bought, won or received throughout the week and is hosted by Brodie over at Eleusinian Mysteries. We all know that the Owl Post is the fastest way to send and receive mail and they certainly make me happy every time they drop a book off.  

Hello lovelies and welcome to the second last Owl Post of 2015! Christmas is just around the corner and before you know it, we're gonna be in 2016! Wow, how time fly's! But enough about that, let's share some books.....

  For Review:

From Bloomsbury: - Everything But the Truth by Mandy Hubbard This is the 6th book in the If Only series, a series of fun contemporary reads written by a number of different authors. I quite enjoy this series and can't wait to read Everything But the Truth! It looks really good.   .....Thank you guys! ___________________________________   From Allen & Unwin: - Thicker Than Water by Brigid Kemmerer Yay! Brigid Kemmerer's new book! I love Kemmerer's Elementals series and have been eagerly waiting for something new from her. Thicker Than Water sounds fab and I can't wait to read this one!   ....Thanks guys! ___________________________________   From Pan Macmillan: - A Tangle of Gold by Jaclyn Moriarty Thanks to Pan Macmillan, I'm going to be participating in the Australian blog tour for this book in  March. A Tangle of Gold marks the 3rd book in The Colours of Madeleine series, so be on the look-out for my reviews of the other books in the lead-up too :)   Thank you guys!     And that's me! Some awesome books this week? What did you receive this week?  

 

Book Shelf: Reawakened (The Reawakened Series #1) by Colleen Houck

When seventeen-year-old Lilliana Young enters the Metropolitan Museum of Art one morning during spring break, the last thing she expects to find is a live Egyptian prince with godlike powers, who has been reawakened after a thousand years of mummification.

And she really can't imagine being chosen to aid him in an epic quest that will lead them across the globe to find his brothers and complete a grand ceremony that will save mankind.

But fate has taken hold of Lily, and she, along with her sun prince, Amon, must travel to the Valley of the Kings, raise his brothers, and stop an evil, shape-shifting god named Seth from taking over the world.

From New York Times bestselling author Colleen Houck comes an epic adventure about two star-crossed teens who must battle mythical forces and ancient curses on a journey with more twists and turns than the Nile itself.

More info on Goodreads.....

Review:

Reawakened by Colleen Houck is a wonderfully depicted tale of ancient gods, powerful beings and grand adventure. Drawing readers into a passionate race against time to save the world, Reawakened will thrill those who have a love for all things Ancient Egypt. 

Reawakened introduces readers to Lilliana “Lily” Young, a seventeen year old New Yorker whose summer is thrown into chaos when a trip to the Metropolitan Museum sees the proper young woman discover a young man who claims to have be a recently awakened mummy. Quickly realising that that apparently crazy, yet oh, so sexy, man may in fact be telling the truth, Lily begins to realise that there is more to the world than she imagined; not only does magic really exist, but there are dangers lurking, even more dangerous that Lily could ever have expected…..

I honestly can’t remember the last time a book did a complete one-eighty the way Awakened did in my eyes! Seriously. In the beginning of reading this novel, I really struggled. I’d been so looking forward to it, being the Ancient Egypt lover that I am, but within the first couple of chapters I was highly disappointed. Our heroine read like a selfish, spoilt brat who put too much stock in designer clothes and being perfect that her voice came across as almost impossible to follow….yet about halfway through the novel…bam, complete change that suddenly I found it impossible to put Awakened down. It felt like I had read two different novels, and whether this is Houck’s intention or not I don't know. 

Though I know she has had a lot of success with her Tiger Saga, this the first novel by Colleen Houck that I have picked up. And I have to say, that after my initial problems with Reawakened, I was very impressed. Houck’s writing is easy to follow and she does a tremendous job of exploring Egyptian mythology, weaving different aspects of the culture, folklore and history together. We get to explore the pyramids, tombs, and architecture of Egypt, learn about different Egyptian myths and stories and learn about different gods throughout Reawakened. It’s clear a lot of thought and effort has gone into creating the background for this series and I have to commend Colleen Houck for this. 

As you can tell from the beginning of my review, I had some initial problems with our main character Lily. Lily comes from a well-to-do family and is well put together. She lives in a penthouse in a hotel, only wears the best and eats the best. My problem is that both Colleen Houck, and Lily as the character, seem to shove this down our throat, over and over and over again in the beginning of the book. I understood Lily’s position if life, and what it meant for her—I didn’t need to be constantly reminded. Personally I think this is done so we see the depth of the transformation Lily goes through by the end of the novel, but I still found it too much and too grating. And yet in saying that, but the end of Awakened, I quite liked Lily and found it easy to get behind her. She grew and changed and I liked who she became.  

Alongside Lily is a small cast of characters I really came to adore. Amon, the recently reawakened Ancient Egyptian, who alongside his two brothers, must stop the god Seth from raining darkness down on the world is obviously a stand out. Amon really grew on me. Seeing him learn about the 21st century as he slowly began to care about Lily was really enjoyable and I found their relationship/romance really endearing. I loved Amon’s brothers Asten and Ahmose. All three brothers were very different, but the sharp way they interacted with each other and the sibling teasing they shared was adorable. Even Dr Hassan, the grand vizier to the three brothers was someone I couldn’t help but love!  

Reawakened races towards a climactic ending with the three brothers facing off against a powerful individual in order to fulfil their destiny. Colleen Houck will leave you breathless and dying for more as Reawakened comes to a close; leaving readers begging for the next book to be released sooner rather than later!
 

Rating:
Source: I bought from Big W
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Bookworld | The Nile | The Book Depository | Amazon
My Recommendation: If you love Ancient Egyptian mythology you'll love this.
Cover: This cover is awesome!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes. Looking forward to more

Book Blitz: Sunset Rising Trilogy by S.M. McEachern

I'm excited to be taking part in the Book Blitz for Sunset Rising Trilogy by S.M. McEachern thanks to Xpresso Book Tours! This series looks really good, so I hope you enjoy the excerpt and giveaway I have to share with you :)

____________________________________

Special edition of the ebook set of the Sunset Rising Trilogy, which includes: Sunset Rising, Worlds Collide, New World Order, and—available in ebook format for the first time—all seven satellite stories!

 

Sunset Rising: Born a slave inside a government biodome, seventeen-year-old Sunny O’Donnell becomes a pawn in a political plot that sparks a rebellion. Accused of treason and facing execution, she escapes with a man she considers an enemy and discovers she not only has to work with him to survive, but also lead the revolution.

 

A Readers Favorite 2015 Book Award Gold Medal winner!

 

Worlds Collide: Sunny and Jack must continue a life of subterfuge in order to stay alive and find a way to free the Pit. But in their attempt to save the urchins, they uncover the horrifying truth about President Holt and the evil he could unleash on the world.

 

New World Order: While Sunny and Jack struggle to find each other in the lawless post-apocalyptic world, tensions between the Pit and the Dome escalate. In the action-packed conclusion of the Sunset Rising Trilogy, friends will become enemies and enemies will become friends on a journey that will lead to a new world order.

 

Satellite Stories: For the first time in ebook format, the seven satellite stories are included with the trilogy. Find out what’s happening in the Pit between books one and two, and get a closer look at some of the other people in Sunny’s life. 

Add the series on Goodreads!

Purchase:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

 

Excerpt from Sunset Rising, Book 1

(Sunny O’Donnell and Jack Kenner on starting a rebellion)

I went at him as fast as I could, and when I saw the nose of the gun come up, I pushed it down and used it to give me balance. I raised my leg and kicked him in his side. His grip on the gun loosened for a second, and I grabbed it with both hands while swinging my leg in a backward arc that brought me behind him. I brought the gun up under his throat and held it there. I heard people clapping and looked up to see them staring at me.

“You do catch on quickly,” Jack said, smiling. 

I loosened my grip on the rifle, and he lowered it. “Am I scaring you, Jack?” 

Suddenly Jack’s hands were on me, and he threw me over his hip. I hit the floor with an ungraceful flop.

“A little bit.” He stepped away and left me to pick myself up. “It’s going to be lights out soon, so we should wrap it up,” he said to the room.
“Can we try again tomorrow?” Raine asked. 

Jack looked around the room to see if anyone else was interested. Most people wanted to come back. Jack asked the guards, and they agreed as well.

“You were amazing tonight,” Jack said once we were alone. “You blew me away.”

“I guess it went well.”

“You were great, but we only had maybe fifty people in that room, not nearly enough to take on the few hundred guards that patrol down here. I told you before, power comes with numbers, and we don’t have numbers.”

“I don’t think we stand much of a chance anyway. I expect someone in that room will gladly turn us in for the four hundred credits Holt is offering.” 

When we arrived at our apartment, I scanned my hand across the lock and went in.

“I know. I think that too.” Jack shut the door behind him. Then he picked up one of the chairs and put it under the doorknob. I gave him an inquisitive look. “At least it will give us a little notice if someone comes.”

“I’ve always known we’ll be caught eventually, but now that it might be real, I’m scared.” 

I didn’t want to die now that I had found a reason to live. I wanted to see this rebellion through and free Summer from Holt; have the chance to find my father if he was still alive; help liberate the Pit from centuries of slavery. I wanted time to finish what we started.

“You’re scared?” he asked in surprise. “I can’t believe the girl who stood up on a chair and convinced an entire room to start a rebellion is scared.”

“And you’re not?” 

“Terrified. Hey, what was wrong with Raine’s wife? She seemed a little out of it.”

“Women get that way after they’re sterilized.” 

“After they’re what?” 

“Sterilized.” He had an odd look on his face. “You must know about the Sterilization Program. Your government came up with it ten years ago. If a couple doesn’t qualify to have a child, the woman is sterilized, and whatever they inject her with makes her go… blank. The injection changes a woman. She’s not as full of life as she used to be.”

Jack was staring at me with a horrified look on his face when the lights went out, leaving us in darkness. Maybe he didn’t know about that program. 

“We should get some sleep,” I said. 

“I’ll take the chair.” 

“No. We shared last night, we can do it again tonight.” Considering the way I responded to his kiss this morning, it probably wasn’t a good idea. But we both needed a decent sleep. Jack was exhausted from sleeping in the chair, and I couldn’t afford to be tired and sloppy with Madi as my supervisor.

“Are you sure?” 

“Yeah. Just stay on your on side of the bed.” But I didn’t really mean it. I walked toward the bedroom.

“That bed isn’t big enough to have sides.” He stumbled after me, knocking a chair over.

“You really can’t see, can you?”

“And you’re surprised? It’s pitch black in here.” 

I took him by the hand and guided him toward the bedroom. He took off his t-shirt and flopped down on the bed. Since he was blind in the dark, I stripped off my vest and put my t-shirt back on before I climbed in. 

“It’s not pitch black in here. The guards use nightlights, and it leaks into the apartment.” 

He opened his eyes as wide as he could and looked around the room. “I guess you have to born in the Pit to find light where there isn’t any.”

I rolled that thought over in my mind and realized just how true it was.

Want more? Snag you copy today! 

 

S.M. McEachern (also known as Susan) comes from the rocky shores of Canada’s East Coast. As a resident of Halifax during her early adult years, she attended Dalhousie University and earned an Honors Degree in International Development Studies with a focus on ocean development. Throughout her academic studies and early career, Susan had the privilege to study and work with Elizabeth Mann Borgese (daughter of nobel prize winner, Thomas Mann). An author in her own right and a political activist for world peace, Mrs. Mann Borgese played a significant influence on Susan’s view of the political world stage.

Sunset Rising is Susan's debut novel, which was published in November 2012. The second novel of the series, Worlds Collide was released in March 2014 and she is currently working on the third book of the series titled, New World Order, due to be released January 2015. For writing inspiration, Susan likes to go on long walks with her iPod (Keane and Moby are among her favorites). A few fun facts about Susan: she loves lattes, red wine, snorkelling, hiking and talking about herself in the third person.

Visit S.M:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

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Book Shelf: The Rift by S.D. Wasley

“I longed for normality. Even our own, off-the-wall brand of normality.”

She’s finally got things together. Mimi’s dating a hot guy and has a place in the school’s Gifted Program with her awesome friends. Yes, she still attracts the dead. But there’s only one ghost these days, and he doesn’t seem to have an awful lot to say.

Just when Mimi’s life is looking pretty good for the first time in years, the unthinkable happens ... one of the seven gifted teens is torn from their close-knit group. The unity of their circle shattered, things begin to go terribly wrong. It’s ruining their focus—and with the threat of the Astarion cult growing stronger each day, the gifted seven need all the focus they can muster.

In The Seventh, Mimi found her place in a circle of seven extraordinary teenagers. In The Rift, she must face what happens when the circle of seven is broken.

More info on Goodreads.....

Review:

 

The Rift is a wonderful follow up to S.D. Wasley’s debut novel, The Seventh and is an enjoyable tale that continues on with the storyline from its predecessor yet also sees Wasley add new layers to her series.

After the harrowing events of The Seventh, Mimi thinks she’s finally got her life together. Having found her place at Etherall Valley Prep, Mimi is enjoying learning to control her gift of seeing ghosts, has a wonderful relationship with her boyfriend Drew and has embraced her role in the Gifted Program. Everything is going splendid; that is until the gifted teens see one of their own torn from their group, resulting in unexpected havoc affecting their gifts. With the rogue Astarions an ever present threat, Mimi and her friends must rally together and figure out how to save one of their own, or risk the consequences that are too horrible to even consider…..

Having read and enjoyed The Seventh, The Rift was a decent follow up in my eyes. S.D. Wasley is back with solid, descriptive writing and more mysteries to uncover. This series is shaping up nicely and I enjoy the way all the gifted teens support and complement each other. Wasley explores different conflicts and makes you question just who is the good guy and the bad guy at times. 

Mimi is still a solid protagonist, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say I had my issues with her in this novel. I’m going to chalk it all up to being a teenager and needing to make mistakes and grow, but I felt Mimi made the wrong choice at times during The Rift. I really liked the way S.D. Wasley explored and developed Mimi’s abilities though. Mimi discovers new aspects to what she sees, as well as two new ghosts Dot and Charlie who were oh, so cute!

Throughout The Rift, Mimi and her friends find themselves struggling with their gifts and who to trust as the rogue Astarions close in on the teens. Prophecies continue to point towards dangerous events, and our gifted characters find it hard to determine who can be trusted and who cannot. I must admit Wasley had me unsure myself—tossing up between two individuals whose motives were in question.

Keeping us on our toes and easily entertained, S.D. Wasley weaves natural teen angst, relationship drama and friendship together with magical elements and danger to create an enjoyable sequel! I'm looking forward to more.

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by the author (Thank S.D!)
Format: Kindle ebook
Buy it: Amazon
My Recommendation: Fans of fantasy will enjoy this.
Cover: I'm actually a real fan of this cover. I love the color scheme and think it goes wonderfully alongside the first book.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes.

Blog Tour: Name of Ra by Kelsey Ketch- Promo & Giveaway

As a fan of this series, I'm thrilled to be taking part in the Blog Tour for Name of Ra, the third book in the Descendants of Isis series by Kelsey Ketch! Yesterday I posted my review and today I have some fun promos to share including Anubis's profile and a giveaway!
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“Set has risen.”

After being on the run from a psychotic cult for a week, Natara “Natti” Stone has finally come to realize she and Seth are the only two people standing between the Sons of Set and the secret name of Ra. Holding a part of the key that unlocks Ra’s power, they relocate to a more isolated location in the California mountains. While laying low, Natti becomes even more determined to understand her mother’s bloodline and her blessing from the goddess, Isis. But when she starts seeing the truth behind her destiny, she begins to doubt her role in the events that are about to unfold.

Then the unthinkable happens . . .

All Seth O’Keefe wanted was to get Natti as far away from his father and the Sons of Set as possible. Unfortunately, after hearing of Natti’s destiny from Isis’s own lips, he realizes they have bigger issues to worry about. Especially when one stupid slip up leads the god of chaos himself straight to their doorstep. Now Natti is the god’s prisoner, and Set holds the key to unlocking the location of the secret name of Ra. Can Seth save Natti from her own destiny and thwart the demented god’s rise to power?

Add on Goodreads or check out my review!

Purchase:
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Character Profile: Anubis

Name: Anubis
Age: Ageless
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Amber
Social Standing: God
Power: Transfiguration, telepathic, super strength, reading people's hearts
Closest Friends: Horus, Bastet, and Ma'at
Relationship(s): Ma at (his one and only; unrequited love)

Likes:
Flirting. For the god of the underworld, Anubis is lively, and he appreciates beauty. And he shows his appreciating through both appropriate and slightly inappropriate means. He particularly likes taking advantage of his jackal form and his puppy like demeanor.

Teaching. It's like second nature to Anubis, showing mortals the path to eternity. Yet teaching Natti how to use the power of Ma at is most thrilling. Especially since Natti reminds him of the goddess he loves.

Teasing. Anubis is a bit of a teaser. It goes hand in hand with his flirting, especially when he's around Natti. He cares for her . He doesn't know why. Maybe it's because she looks like Isis. Maybe it's because her heart carries a piece of Ma'at's power. Or maybe it's because she understands his taunts and jokes. Whatever the reason, she makes him feel relaxed.

Dislikes:
Set. Especially considering what he did to Anubis's mother, Nephthys. After all, it was his darkness and torment that drove her to Osiris disguised as Isis to copulate, giving birth to Anubis nine months later. He believes his uncle is nothing but a monster, and his followers aren't any better. Not even Seth O'Keefe.

Rejection. Despite his flirting and teasing, his heart only belongs to one goddess, Ma'at. Unfortunately, his love is unrequited. The goddess continually eluding his advances by using their age difference as her excuse. Seriously? What s a few hundred years between gods?

Contradiction. Though he is nothing like his uncle, Set, they do share some parallel traits. His quick temper to contradiction is one. He is a god, after all. He had been living for thousands of year. So how dare a mortal contradict his opinion and teachings?

Quote: "Just don't go making a habit of it. Exposing your heart to such darkness will only poison it. You will lose yourself to the very same emotions that enslaves all Sons of Set to their god."

 I'm Merui Ba (Beloved Soul) :D
What's your secret name?

 

During her high school years, Kelsey Ketch could always be found tucked away in a little corner of the hall or classroom, writing her fantasy worlds and creating illustrations and maps. Today is no different, except now she’s writing in the break room at her office building or at the tables of the Barnes and Noble Café in Cary, North Carolina. She is also an avid reader, a part-time book blogger at Ketch’s Book Nook, and lives with her two orange tabbies and awesome and humorous flat-mate. Daughter of Isis is her debut novel.

Visit Kelsey:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook
 

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Book Shelf: Name of Ra (Descendants of Isis #3) by Kelsey Ketch

“Set has risen.”

After being on the run from a psychotic cult for a week, Natara “Natti” Stone has finally come to realize she and Seth are the only two people standing between the Sons of Set and the secret name of Ra. Holding a part of the key that unlocks Ra’s power, they relocate to a more isolated location in the California mountains. While laying low, Natti becomes even more determined to understand her mother’s bloodline and her blessing from the goddess, Isis. But when she starts seeing the truth behind her destiny, she begins to doubt her role in the events that are about to unfold.

Then the unthinkable happens . . .

All Seth O’Keefe wanted was to get Natti as far away from his father and the Sons of Set as possible. Unfortunately, after hearing of Natti’s destiny from Isis’s own lips, he realizes they have bigger issues to worry about. Especially when one stupid slip up leads the god of chaos himself straight to their doorstep. Now Natti is the god’s prisoner, and Set holds the key to unlocking the location of the secret name of Ra. Can Seth save Natti from her own destiny and thwart the demented god’s rise to power?

More info on Goodreads.....

Review:

Name of Ra is the third and final novel in Kelsey Ketch’s Descendants of Isis trilogy and brings the series to a powerful and endlessly exciting conclusion!

After the events of Son of Set, Natti and Seth are on the run. Having rescued the woman he loves from being a sacrifice to the god Set, Seth is keen to keep Natti as far away from the Sons of Set as possible. Yet when Set rises and manages to take Natti prisoner, Seth and Natti find themselves in a race against time, not only to get Natti out of the evil God’s clutches, but to stop Set from discovering Ra’s secret name and obtaining untold power. Trapped as Set’s prisoner, Natti is subjected to the god’s attempts at seduction, and must come to embrace her true destiny, lest she be tricked into becoming Set’s queen and seeing him rule the world…..

I must say, I have enjoyed reading this series and will be sad to see it go. Kelsey Ketch has done a great job weaving together her world, and I’ve enjoyed seeing the story unfold through both Natti and Seth’s eyes. Well written, Descendants of Isis has been a fast paced and exciting series, although a lot of the content wouldn’t be suitable for a younger YA audience due to the sexual themes and situations depicted in the books. 

Having been to hell and back, Name of Ra is the final chance for Natti and Seth to stand against Set and stop him from taking control of untold power. Personally I think both Natti and Seth have come a long way in this series; especially Seth who grew up in the Sons of Set who believed women were their playthings and who took what they wanted, when they wanted. It was only through loving Natti that Seth came to realise just how wrong most of his actions were, and I think this really helped shape who he is by the end of this book. 

A lot of history comes to light in Name of Ra, and much of what Natti’s mother and Seths ancestors went through fall into place. We discover the meaning behind the prophecies surrounding Natti and finally discover just what Isis meant for her all along. Stakes have never been as high for our two lovers are they are in Name of Ra, and I have to give Kelsey Ketch props—she really makes you feel their desperation. Especially towards the end and once they are in the clutches of Set, considering he has the ability to do unspeakable things to Natti. It’s very powerful to read about, especially when tragedy strikes.

Fast paced, exciting and riveting, Name of Ra is a great way to conclude the series. I’m sad to say goodbye to Natti and Seth, but I’m thrilled with the way Kesley Ketch brings this series to a close and am thoroughly glad I’ve taken the time to read these books!  

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by YA Bound Book Tours and the author (Thank you ladies!)
Format: Kindle copy
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Smashwords | The Book Depository
My Recommendation: If you love Ancient Egyptian myth you'll love it.
Cover: Fits well with the other books in this series.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: This is the final book in this series, but I wouldn't rule out reading more by Kelsey Ketch